Lt Col Robert J. Hymel, USAF, Retired

Robert Joseph Hymel was born on August 13, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana; one of three children of Elsie and the late Sidney Hymel. After graduating from high school, Bob attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. He began his distinguished military service with the U.S. Air Force in December 1969, and was awarded his coveted Air Force pilot wings in 1970. He flew B-52 bombers while assigned to the Strategic Air Command and was a decorated Vietnam combat pilot. In 1974, while on active duty with the Air Force, Bob earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Western New England College.

During the course of his 24-year military career, Bob was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal, among others. He was a veteran of two campaigns, Vietnam and Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. He retired from the Air Force in September 1993 after obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Bob began his civilian career with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on March 7, 1994.

He served as a senior management officer in the Office of the Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller for Force Structure and Management. He was responsible for DIA joint manpower issues that focused on military human intelligence management and organization. 

Bob and his wife, Pat, were married on July 31, 1971. They have one daughter, Natalie, and two granddaughters, Lauren and Kayla. He was an active supporter of and participant with his church and the Knights of Columbus. Bob loved to play golf and was an avid Redskins fan. He loved to tinker around the house and beamed each time he completed a project, large or small. Bob’s legacy can be found in his deep abiding love for his wife, his family and his country. 

Mr. Hymel is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Natalie, and her husband, Patrick Conners; granddaughters, Lauren and Kayla; mother, Elsie; brother, Clyde; and sister, Mary.